ALS
ALS affects the body, it does not affect the mind
Having this disease has made me …
I can hear and understand everything that you are saying
I can't believe this is happening to me
I don't want to lose my dignity
I feel frightened sometimes
I have ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease and I have trouble speaking
I use this machine to communicate
I wish I didn't have to go through this
I'm having a very bad day
It makes me really mad that ….
One good thing about this disease is ….
Please tell me if you can't understand what I am trying to say
Sometimes I feel no one can understand what it feels like to go through this
Sometimes I just need to feel sorry for myself
Sometimes I just want to scream
This illness can really get you down
You can't imagine how difficult this can be
Agree-Disagree
I believe what you are saying
I don't think what you are saying is correct
Not a chance that's correct
You couldn't be further from the truth
Appointments
I would like to get a manicure/ pedicure
We need to have the computer guy fix our computer
I need an appointment to have my eyebrows waxed
I need an appointment with the dentist
I need to have my wheelchair fixed
I need to make an appointment for…
I need to see the doctor for ….
I would like to make a date with…..
Appreciation
Do you know how much I appreciate all you do?
I am lucky to have you in my life
I am so grateful for all you have done for me
I am so happy to have you as a friend
I am so grateful for all the prayers, thought and support I have received, it's really helped
I appreciate your friendship
I could never have done this without your help and support
I hope you know how much I appreciate you
I hope you know how much you mean to me
I thank you for everything
I'm so grateful to have you in my life
I'm thankful for all you do for me
It's good to hear your voice
Thank you for being such a good friend
Thank you for just being you
Thank you for your good wishes
Thank you for your thoughtfulness
Thank you for being such a good friend
That's awfully generous of you
You are such a good person to help me
Your friendship means so much to me
Your help means so much to me
Your support means so much to me
Ask Help
Can you answer the phone?
Can you help me balance the account?
Can you help me make a deposit in the bank?
Can you help me reorder checks for my checking account?
Can you help me take a shower?
Can you help me wash my face (hands)?
Can you help me with the computer?
Can you help me write a check?
Can you help to put the groceries away?
Can you help to clean up?
Can you keep me company for a while?
Can you make me something to eat?
Can you move me over there?
Can you please pick that up off the floor, I dropped it by accident?
Can you read me a book (magazine)?
Can you repeat what you just said?
Can you turn on the computer?
Can you wait and help me?
I need information about …
I need some help with trying to figure out the best way to communicate with you
I need to take my medicine
I need you to call my family
I need you to call the nurse
May I have something to drink (eat)?
Please bring that over here
Please button my shirt (coat, blouse, jacket)
Please change the position of the bed (chair) up (down, right, left, back, forward)
Please help me get dressed
Please help me move over there
Please help me reach for the …..
Please open (close) the window
Please tell me if you understand what I am saying
Please turn on (off) the heat (A/C)
Please turn on (off) the lights
Please turn on/off the radio (IPOD, DVD player, TV)
Please turn that on (off) for me
Will you be able to help me with ….?
Will you stay and help me finish this?
Will you stay for a while?
Would you help me with my coat (shoes, pajamas, shirt, pants) please?
Would you make a phone call for me?
Compassion
How could I be mad at you?
I feel terrible that you are so unhappy
I hope everything turns out okay
I hope everything works out
I wish I could change things for you
I wish I could make it easier
I wish I could make things better for you
I would like to help if I can
I'm really sorry to hear that
I'm really sorry to put you through this
I'm sorry I'm not able to help you more
I'm sorry you are having a bad day
I'm sorry you don't feel well
I'm sorry you have to go through this with me
It didn't seem like it went well, sorry
Please don't be mad at me
Conversation Control
Could you repeat what you said?
Do you understand what I mean?
Haven't I met you before?
How are things going for you?
I don't understand what happened
I don't understand your question
I don't want to interrupt
I have something to say about that
I really like to talk about it
I want to show you something
I want to talk to you about ….
I'll have to think of a few more questions
I'm really glad you dropped by
Let me tell you what I did
Let me tell you why I was upset
Please wait until I finish what I am trying to say
Tell me what you think I said
That's all that's happening
There was something else I was going to ask you
What are you going to do today?
What are you talking about?
What are you trying to tell me?
What do you think about that?
What were you about to tell me?
Would you mind if I talk while you are interrupting?
You are not going to believe this
You know what, I don't understand?
Conversation Modifiers
Can you please repeat that?
Could you speak up a little?
Do you understand what I mean?
Does anyone have any ideas ?
Excuse me for interrupting
Excuse me, may I say something?
I don't understand what you are saying
I don't want to talk about it anymore
I have something to say about that
I need some help with trying to figure out the best way to communicate with you
I've been meaning to tell you
Just a minute, I'm not finished
Just a minute, let me think about that
Keep going, I need a break
Let's not go into that again
No, I meant something else
Please don't change the subject
Please wait until I finish what I'm trying to say
Say that again, I missed that
Wait, let me rephrase that
Who are you talking about?
Would you mind spelling that for me?
Encourage-Discourage
I think I already said that
I wish you wouldn't do that
I'd really like to talk about it
You could have helped out a little bit
Equipment
Can you make an adjustment
I don't know what happened to it
I'm having the same kind of problem
Turn it down a little bit please
Exclamations
Are you out of your mind?
Family Routines
Are you getting ready for bed?
Are you going to prepare dinner?
Are you picking up the kids?
Can you take out the garbage?
Can you bring in the mail?
Can you fill up the car with gas?
Can you get the newspaper from outside?
Can you make a pot of coffee?
Did you bring the clothes to the cleaners?
Did you put your clothes away?
Did you start (finish) your homework?
Did you straighten up your room?
Don't forget to set your alarm
Hurry up and eat your breakfast or you'll be late
Hurry up, you'll miss the bus
Who is going to do the grocery shopping?
Whose turn is it to feed the cat (dog)
Whose turn is it to walk the dog?
Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
I can make everyone's lunch for tomorrow
Food
Can I have a glass of water?
Can I have a spoon (knife, fork)
Can I have some chips and dip?
Can I have some mayonnaise (mustard) on my sandwich?
Can I have some more please?
Can I have something else?
Can I munch on some nuts?
Can you cut the food for me?
Can you help me with my breakfast (lunch, dinner, snack, etc.)?
Can you save this for another time?
Do you have any chocolate?
I can't eat …..I am allergic to it
I could eat this every day
I don't think I want any more
I don't want to eat breakfast now
I don't want to eat dinner now
I don't want to eat lunch now
I feel like eating something salty
I feel like eating something sweet
I need something to drink
I never want to eat that again
I really don't like this at all
I think this tastes so good
I will be ready to eat in a little while
I would like a few cherries
I would like a piece of cake
I would like some ice cream
I would like some pretzels
I would like to eat a steak
I would like to eat some fish
I would like to eat some potatoes
I would like to have a banana
I would like to have a pear
I would like to have a piece of fruit
I would like to have a snack
I would like to have a soda
I would like to have an apple
I would like to have an iced tea (with lemon)
I would like to have an orange
I would like to have dessert later
I would like to have some blueberries
I would like to have some dessert now
I would like to have some raisins
I would like to have some soup
I would like to have some yogurt and berries
I would like to have vegetables with my dinner
I'd like my eggs, fried (scrambled, poached)
I'd like to have some noodles
I'd like to have some oatmeal (with brown sugar and fruit)
I'd like to have some pasta
I'd like to have some toast (with jam/jelly)
I'd like a bowl of cereal
I'd like some cheese on my sandwich
I'd like to eat breakfast now (soon)
I'd like to eat dinner soon
I'd like to eat lunch now
I'd like to eat lunch soon
I'd like to have a bagel (toasted) with butter (cream cheese)
I'd like to have a cup of coffee (with milk and sweetener)
I'd like to have a cup of hot chocolate
I'd like to have a cup of tea (with milk and sweetener, lemon)
I'd like to have a glass of juice
I'd like to have a glass of milk
I'd like to have a hamburger with fries
I'd like to have a hot dog
I'd like to have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
I'd like to have a sandwich
I'd like to have an English muffin
I'd like to have an omelet
I'd like to have dinner now
I'd like to have French toast
I'd like to have lettuce and tomato on my sandwich
I'd like to have pancakes (waffles) with syrup
I'd like to have some fresh fruit
I'd like to have some onions on my sandwich
I'd like to have some pizza
I'll finish this later, I'm full
I'm hungry for some breakfast
Thank you for making that for me
What can I have to eat this morning?
What kind of cookies do you have?
Would you like something to drink (eat, snack)?
You always make the things I like to eat
Goodbye
I enjoyed seeing you, thanks
I guess I better be going, great to see you
I'd like to see you again
I'm so glad I got to meet you
It was good of you to come today
It's been a pleasure meeting you
I've been meaning to call you
Thank you for visiting with me
Humor
Sssss, I was trying to whistle!
That was the voice machine talking, not me!
That's easy for you to say!
Who programmed this voice machine?
Ice Breakers
Can you understand me okay?
Did you have a good weekend?
Do you have a favorite sport?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Do you like your kind of work?
Don't be afraid to ask me questions.
Excuse me for interrupting
How long have you been doing that?
I can hear and understand everything you say
I can understand you. It just takes me longer to answer.
I have a speech problem, I use this machine to talk
I have ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease
I have ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease and I have trouble speaking
I have something to say about that
I really need to talk with you
I use this machine to communicate
I'd like to talk to you about something
It takes me a little longer to answer, please be patient
It's nice to finally meet you
It's nice to see you again
I've been meaning to tell you
I've been thinking about …..
I've heard so much about you
Please tell me if you don't understand what I am saying
That's interesting, tell me more
What do you think about….?
What do you think of my artificial voice?
What have you been up to?
What kind of job do you have?
What's happening with you?
Where do you go to school?
Idioms
That's the way the cookie crumbles
Information
Are you working tomorrow?
Can I take these with me?
Can we make plans for the weekend?
Can we plan our day for tomorrow?
Can you listen to me, please look in my eyes?
Can you mail this letter (package) for me?
Did you have a good weekend?
Do you know where I am going?
Do you know where we are going?
Do you like him (her, them, etc.)?
How can I get a hold of you?
How long will you be gone?
How was your day at school (work)?
I want to know what it is
Is there anything I can do?
Isn't that the right thing to do?
Tell me what you are doing
That doesn't answer the question
Was there something else?
What are you doing this summer?
What are you going to do next?
What are you going to do tonight?
What are you looking for?
What are you talking about?
What are you trying to do?
What are you trying to say to me?
What are you waiting for?
What are your plans for ….
What could possibly happen?
What did he (she) think about that?
What did you do last night?
What did you do on the weekend?
What did you do this morning (afternoon, etc)?
What did you make (do) at school today?
What do you think I said?
What happened at school today?
What have you been doing?
What is the definition of….?
What kind of shows are on?
What's for lunch (breakfast, dinner)?
What's going on in your world?
What's on your agenda for today?
What's that doing in here?
When was the last time that happened?
When will I see you next?
Where did that come from?
Why did he (she, you, etc.) go there?
Why did they go to all that trouble?
Will I be able to get another one?
Would anyone like to play a game?
Would you start the shower?
Would you unload the groceries from the car?
Would you unpack the groceries?
Interpersonal
Are you doing anything special tonight?
Did you have a good weekend?
Tell me about your family
What do you think about that?
What's happening with you?
You look great (tired, sad, happy, bored, frustrated)
Like-Dislike
I don't like him (her, them)
I don't like that restaurant
I don't like that with my food
I have always liked that place
I like a lot of different sports
I like to go on car rides
I like to go to the movies
I like to have company come to visit
I like to listen to music
I like to listen to my IPOD
I like to look at the sunset
I like to see the waves in the ocean
I like to watch sports on TV
I like to watch the cooking shows on TV
I never liked them (her, him)
I really like to eat pizza
I would like to go for a walk
I'd like to listen to a book on tape
I'd like to read a book (magazine)
I'd like to talk about it
I've always liked them (her}, him)
Location
I'm in the bedroom (kitchen, living room, family room, bathroom}, study)
Love
Do I tell you often enough how much I love you?
Do you know how much I love you?
I love you more than I can say
I miss the rhythm of conversation
I want to be together forever
I want to share the rest of my life with you
I will always be with you
I will always be in your heart
I'm glad you're in my life
I've been meaning to tell you how much I love you
Let's remember to be here for each other
What more could I have ever wanted than you?
You are all I could have asked for
You are an amazing (wife, mother, child, sister, brother, mom, dad, etc.)
You are everything I've ever wanted
You are the greatest kids in the world
You are the most special person
Personal Care
Can I have a spritz of perfume/cologne?
Can you bring me my IPOD (IPAD, laptop, etc.)?
Can you help me get dressed?
Can you help me get dried off?
Can you help me get ready for bed?
Can you help me put on some makeup?
Can you help me set up my IPAD?
Can you please comb my hair?
Can you take out my contact lenses?
I need help moving this ….
I need help putting on my shoes
I need my hair to be easy to care for
I need some soap in the shower
I need to care for feminine issues, can you help me?
I need to use the bathroom
I need your help picking that up
I want to get my eyebrows waxed
I want to try a new(different) haircut
I would like to brush my teeth
I would like to comb my hair
I would like to get a manicure(pedicure)
I would like to listen to some music
I would like to listen to the IPOD
I would like to put on my pajamas
I would like to use some mouthwash
I would like to wash my hair
I've had a problem, can you help me get cleaned up?
My feet are cold, can I have my slippers (socks, etc.)
Please cut my fingernails (toenails)
Please help me wash my face
Please help me wash my hands
Please use conditioner to take out the tangles in my hair
Phone Conversation
Call me back when you can
Can you have (someone) call me back?
Can you please hold on for a moment, I have another call?
Give me a call in a few minutes
I have a speech problem; I use a machine to talk. Please be patient
I use a machine to help me talk
I'll let her/him know that you called
I'll look forward to talking to you soon
I'm going to call him (her, them)
I'm sorry he/she is not here at the moment; may I ask who's calling?
The number I am trying to dial is …
Physical Needs
Careful, you are hurting me
I have an itch on my hand
I have an itch on my back
I have an itch on my foot
I want to lay on my right (left) side
I want to lay on my stomach
It is very uncomfortable when it cramps.
My feet are cold, can I have my slippers (socks, etc.)?
Please move the pillow under my neck
Please put a pillow between my knees
Please put a pillow under my arm
Please scratch higher (lower, right, left, harder}, softer)
Point of View
A rather refreshing outlook
I don't feel like seeing anybody
I don 't have much choice
I don't honestly even know what's wrong
I don't really like it very well
I don't remember it being all that hard
I don't think that's right
I don't understand what's going on
I feel the same way about it
I honestly don't want to do it
I hope you're not disappointed
I think he (she) is kind of (cute, nice, mean, arrogant, etc.)
I think I did it wrong (right)
I think I didn't do it very well
I think this is pretty good
I'm feeling a little better
I'm going to do the impossible
I'm just getting it from all sides
I'm not anxious to take any …..
I'm really having a hard time
I'm really worried about it
It doesn't make any difference
It happens to be my favorite
It is absolutely ridiculous
It is just your imagination
It suddenly becomes important
Look out world, here I come
Nobody seems to understand
That should be hard to do
That's why I feel the way I do
Requests
Are you doing anything special this weekend?
Did you have a good weekend?
Do you have the time to play?
How do you feel about that?
I wonder if I could get a new one?
I would like you to see ….
I'll show you what I want
Tell me about your family
What do you think about that?
What's happening with you?
When you find out, let me know
Why don't you give it to me?
Why don't you put that away?
Responses
At least it isn't any worse
Change the subject please
Hey man, you've got a lot of guts
Hi, how are things going?
How could I be mad at you?
I can't remember anything else
I can't think of anything
I could probably do better
I don't mean to cause trouble
I don't see him (her, them, etc.) anymore
I don't think you've met him (her, them, etc.)
I don't understand it either
I greatly appreciate that
I hadn't thought about it
I haven't noticed any difference
I just don't feel like it
I just don't think that's true
I just wanted to find out
I know, I don't need to be reminded
I really feel I can't do it
I really think it's long enough
I think I did it wrong (right)
I think that is unnecessary
I think we ought to do that
I thought it would be good for me
I thought you were going to
I want to go with you (him, her, them, etc.)
I wish I knew what happened
I won't guarantee anything
I would do something like that
I'll keep an eye on that for you
I'm afraid I can't change that
I'm doing well, thank you
I'm getting kind of tired
I'm just making a comment
I'm not even sure I want the answers
I'm not talking about that
I'm not trying to put it off
I'm probably going to be sorry
I'm probably not going to go out
I'm still thinking about it
I'm sure he'd (she'd they'd you'd, etc.) know better
Is there something wrong with that?
It didn't turn out that way
It doesn't matter, I guess
It just seems to always happen like that
It just wasn't very exciting
It would be easier for you
It's completely different
It's got nothing to do with it
It's just your imagination
I've had the same kind of trouble
Let's not take it to extreme limits
Let's stop somewhere and eat something
Not usually, but in this case
She didn't give me that impression
Sorry to keep popping off
Thank the Lord for small favors
Thanks a lot, it really helps
That was nice of him (her, them, etc.)
That won't make a difference
That would be great (awful)
That's got nothing to do with it
That's not the way it works
That's the way it should be
That's the way it's always been
That's why I was in there
There is nothing I can do about it
There's got to be a better way
There's got to be another way
There's no way in the world
There's nothing I can do about it
They do the strangest things
Well it sure feels like it
Well it sure looks like it
Well, anything is possible
Well, I wouldn't know about that
What else am I going to do ?
What other choice do I have ?
You can come up with something better
You can try but I doubt it
You could not possibly understand
You 're coming right back
You're doing the right thing
You 're not going to believe this
Self Determination
All I am trying to say is ….
Change the subject, please
Get the hell away from me
I can't move but I am alive
I don't want that treatment
I have something to say about that
I know, I don't need to be reminded
I really feel I can do it
I want to know what it is
I won't guarantee anything
I would have to question that idea
I would really like to discuss that further
I'm as crazy as I was before
I'm as sane as I was before
I'm still here you sons of bitches
It suddenly becomes important
It's absolutely ridiculous
Look out world, here I come
Please keep in mind I am a human being
Please keep in mind I am a person
Please keep in mind I was very healthy just a short time ago
Please let me finish, don 't anticipate
Please wait until I finish what I am trying to say
That 's all I have to say
That's not the way it works
That's why I feel the way I do
You can come up with something better
You could not possibly understand
Social Amenities
Are you sure you don't mind?
Blows that theory to hell
Don't encourage him (her)
Hi, how are things going?
I don't mean to cause trouble
Sorry to keep popping off
Thanks a lot, it really helps
Social Requests
I'm sorry but I have an appointment now.
Would you like to go with me?
Special Occasions
Congratulations on your graduation
Congratulations on the birth of your baby
Congratulations on your engagement
Congratulations on your wedding
I am having the best time
I am so happy to be a part of today
I haven't had this much fun in a long time
I hope I can celebrate many more with you
I hope you celebrate many more
I'm glad I could be a part of the celebration
It's great for all of us to be together to celebrate
Suggestions
Can you think of something I can do to keep busy?
Do you need me to help you?
Do you need my help to explain this?
Do you want me to help you with your homework?
Do you want me to take care of that?
Do you want to go with me to the doctor's appointment?
Do you want to visit your relatives?
Does anyone want to go for a walk?
Does anyone want to go to the beach?
How about if we just stay inside?
How about if we light a fire in the fireplace?
How would you like to celebrate our anniversary?
Should I make that phone call?
What can we do to make your day more special?
What do you think we should do?
What should we do for your birthday?
Where would you like to go for dinner?
Would anyone like to play a game?
Would you be willing to try to go on a vacation?
Would you like me to help prepare breakfast (lunch, dinner, etc.)?
Would you like to get tickets for the ……?
Would you like to go out for breakfast (lunch, dinner)?
Would you like to go outside?
Would you like to go somewhere overnight?
Would you like to go to see a show?
Would you like to take a road trip?
Would you like to try the new restaurant?
Would you like to watch some TV ( a movie)?
Temporal
Can I give you my final decision later?
Can you do it real quick?
Can't that wait for another time
Didn't you do it yesterday?
Don't bother about that right now
How long do you think it will be?
How often do you do this?
I might check that out tomorrow
I remember the last time I did that
I still haven't eaten yet
It doesn't seem fast enough
It happens every so often
Take your time, have some patience
Wait for the rest of them
We will get to it tomorrow
What time will you be home?
What time would I be done?
Why not do it right away?
Time of Day
Did you have a good night's sleep?
Good night, I hope you sleep well
How are you this morning?
How is your day going so far?
I'd like to eat breakfast
I'd like to watch the evening news
Weather
Can you make it cooler in here?
Can you make it warmer in here?
Can you open the door to let the breeze in?
I hope it doesn't snow (rain)
It's bright and sunny outside
It's pouring cats and dogs
It's raining (snowing sunny, cloudy, foggy) out right now
It's too nice to be inside
Let's just stay inside today
Please open the window and get some air in here
The weather is beautiful today
There is no rain (snow, etc.) in the forecast
There's a full moon tonight
There's no humidity in the air
What's the weather like today?